Mel Asberry
Mel Asberry is an experienced Designated Airworthiness Representative specializing in Experimental/Amateur-Built aircraft. He and his wife, Ann, have built seven amateur-built airplanes including two ultralight types, a Moni Motorglider, a Dragonfly Mk2, two RV-6s and a Zenair CH 601HDS. They are currently building a scratch-built biplane.
Importing From Canada, N-Number Size
Question: I’m interested in buying a homebuilt out of Canada. Is this a difficult process? What should I be looking for?
Answer: Bringing in a...
Repairman Certificate, Aerobatics, LSA Rules
Question: I have a question about the repairman certificate. Let’s say the FAA issues a repairman certificate to the owner/builder. After the airplane is...
Importing From Canada, Selling in Phase I
Question: There is this nice RV-4 available for sale in Canada. It’s been built by an experienced builder. They have flown the airplane for...
What’s the DAR’s Role?
Question: I know that you are active on the Van’s Air Force (VAF) site, so I thought I might direct some questions to you...
A Highly Modified Gyroplane and a Piper, Christavia, Bearhawk, Zenith Mashup?
Question: I am building a gyroplane from pieces of an RAF 2000. I will be building my own frame with dropped keel and main...
Changing the Propeller, Can I Add Seats?
Question: I am upgrading the propeller on my aircraft and was wondering if you might be able to help me out. My situation is...
Ask the DAR
Modifying different types of Light Sport Aircraft, updating Phase II operating limitations.
In Case You Missed It
Wind Tunnel
Flight testing for longitudinal stability problems continues this month as columnist Barnaby Wainfan details tests for stick force as related to trim and stick-free stability of an aircraft. The object is to gather data and analyze it to see if the hypotheses about the nature of the problem hold up under scrutiny.
Inside Spruce
What really happens when you place an order at Aircraft Spruce & Specialty? By Tom Wilson
But Will It Fly the Plane?
Raconteur and avid WW-I-era airplane enthusiast Dick Starks regales us with tales of innovation and resourcefulness when he attempts to measure the pull of his and his compadres VW powerplants.
Light Stuff
Roy Beisswenger discusses the impact of the FAAs LODA order allowing Light Sport instructors to resume training with their Experimental aircraft.